Road Glide
Year: 2005
Make: H-D
MSRP: $17,345
Mileage: 48,013
Rider: Eric
Bone stock with Black Cherry...
Bone stock with Black Cherry paint.
When I picked up this Road Glide (RG) in March of 2005, the bagger trend had still yet to get its full momentum so everyone and their mother wasn't on one and the younger guys were still looking at the large touring bikes as an old man's bike. But at that time I felt, with its streamlined shark-nose fairing, the RG was the sharpest and most aggressive looking of the touring models-and I still feel that way today. Sure the batwing is an iconic piece and it could be argued that the introduction of the leaner, cleaner Street Glide for the following model year was the catalyst that really opened people's eyes that the MoCo's bagger models not only offered long distance comfort but provided a larger palette for customization and styling. But in my opinion it still didn't beat out the RG and it still doesn't.
I love everything about this bike from the looks to the comfort to the performance. Sure I've gotten into my fair share of bagger wobbles but I've also learned how to ease my way out of them and what the bikes limitations are. I remember for the first couple months I had the RG, owners of batwing bikes would ask me if it bothered me that the RG had a fixed fairing and that the fairing and headlights didn't turn with the handlebars. I thought it was a pretty funny question and I would usually respond with "does it bother you that the frontend and headlights of your car don't turn with the steering wheel? It's the same concept."
Loaded with upgrades and No.2...
Loaded with upgrades and No.2 out of 100 of H-D's Limited Edition, Sneaky Red on Black Radical Custom Paint Collection.
Over the years I've thrown just about everything the Harley P&A catalog has to offer at the RG; from a custom paint set to a 103ci engine hop up and low pro seat to GPS system. With basic maintenance, (fluid changes, tire replacement, new plugs etc) the bike has run flawlessly. I have flogged this thing to and from Sturgis multiple times, bombed two-up through blistering desert heat, and like a Timex, it's taken' a lickin' and still keeps tickin'. After 48,000 miles and nearly five years of firing right up every time I hit the starter button, it sounds as though the original battery is finally in need of replacement. Other than that minor item, this bike has been a dream.